In Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh, the administration demolished a 40-year-old madrasa in Bakhuwa village on Thursday. The madrasa, named Islamia Anwarul Uloom, was built 40 years ago by two residents, Wasim and Samiuddin.
The madrasa was built illegally on government land meant for a threshing ground and had no registration or official recognition, according to the authorities.
Complaints about the construction of the madrasa had been made to higher officials for years. In 2018, the tehsil court ordered the madrasa’s removal, but no action was taken at that time.
“We complained several times to the Chief Minister, District Magistrate, and SDM. Finally, the administration listened to us, and this illegal structure has been removed,” said a local.
After an investigation team said that the madrasa was built on government land, the SDM, Shikha Shukla, issued demolition orders. “Illegal encroachments on government land will not be tolerated under any circumstances. We will take similar strict actions in the future,” Shukla said.
The demolition was carried out under the supervision of Deputy Tehsildar Dinanath Yadav, with police from Sadarpur station present to maintain order.
While some villagers welcomed the action, others expressed concern.
Wasim, one of the founders of the madrasa, expressed frustration over the demolition. “This madrasa has been here for over 40 years, serving the people. The government’s sudden action is unfair and unjust, especially when no alternative has been provided to us,” Waseem was quoted as saying by Clarion.
“Why is this happening only to our madrasa? Why doesn’t the government take similar action against illegal constructions in other areas?” questioned a resident, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The Uttar Pradesh government’s use of bulldozers for anti-encroachment drives has sparked controversy, despite a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that called for a halt to such demolitions. The government continues to defend the practice, claiming it is essential to address illegal encroachments and uphold public order.
